PTI
 
New Delhi, Jun 3: "Why are wives like that?" was the poser from none other than bachelor President A P J Abdul Kalam.

The question was thrown by the 75-year-old President when he was narrating the story about the architect of Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sir Edwin Lutyens, during a function to receive the first copy of a pictorial book on the grandiose structure.

"Do you know to whom did the architect of the Bhavan write letters daily about the progress made in the construction of the Rashtrapati Bhavan," said the President to the audience at the function.

"To his wife," said a member of the audience.

Satisfied with the answer, Kalam added more to the information saying "everyday he (Lutyens) used to write a letter to his wife, about the foundation, what type of architecture was designed...

"But that lady (Luytens' wife), fantastic lady, did not write (back) even one letter. Not even one. I don't know why wives are like that," Kalam said amidst peels of laughter.

He said the book "Mansion Nonpareil", published by the President's Secretariat, will give people an insight into the architecture of Rashtrapati Bhawan and hoped the book would open up another window to an important facet of India's cultural heritage.

The 160-page book, with magnificent photographs accompanied by a concise text, is authored by Satish Mathur, a civil servant currently serving as Director (Administration and Establishment) in the Rashtrapati Bhawan.